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Casting Director Mukesh Chhabra Dismisses Propaganda Claims Surrounding “Dhurandhar”
Bollywood film “Dhurandhar,” starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, continues to enjoy strong box office success despite facing criticism from some viewers who claim it promotes propaganda. The spy thriller has become one of the season’s most talked-about films, sparking discussions about its portrayal of India-Pakistan relations.
In a recent interview with Freepress Journal, casting director Mukesh Chhabra addressed the controversy surrounding the Aditya Dhar-directed film. Chhabra, known for his work on diverse projects like “Chillar Party” and “Gangs of Wasseypur,” dismissed the criticism by focusing on his artistic approach to the project.
“I just love working, I love cinema. I don’t work with so many opinions,” Chhabra explained. “When I like a film, and I have to create the world through casting, I will do it. I will do all kinds of movies.”
The veteran casting director emphasized that he views filmmaking purely through an artistic lens. “I just love casting actors and creating a world. I see cinema as cinema. I just follow my instinct,” he said, adding that he remains focused solely on the actors, film, and director he collaborates with rather than external criticism.
The film has divided audiences since its release, with a section of viewers taking to social media to label it as propaganda. This response is not uncommon for films dealing with sensitive geopolitical themes, particularly those touching on India-Pakistan relations.
Actor R Madhavan, who also stars in the film, previously addressed the wave of negative early reviews in an interview with Puja Talwar. Madhavan revealed that he had anticipated the initial backlash even before the film’s release.
“From the very beginning, I knew this was going to impact society. There will be people who will first give it very bad ratings,” Madhavan said, drawing parallels to similar criticism that surrounded acclaimed films like “Rang De Basanti” and “Three Idiots” upon their initial releases.
The actor further defended the film, stating, “The people who gave two ratings have become irrelevant. We are still in the industry. I’m not saying this out of spite; you’re just missing the point. It’s time to evolve.”
“Dhurandhar” depicts the story of an Indian spy named Hamza who infiltrates Pakistan to join Rehman Dakait’s gang. The narrative draws inspiration from real-life events, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, offering viewers perspective on the complex India-Pakistan conflict through a fictionalized lens.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring industry heavyweights including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun in key roles.
The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema where films dealing with nationalistic themes or historical conflicts often face scrutiny regarding their portrayal of sensitive geopolitical issues. Similar debates have surrounded other recent releases that touch on Indo-Pak relations or historical events with political implications.
Despite the mixed reactions, the film’s commercial success suggests that audiences are responding positively overall. The film’s producers have already announced a sequel, with the second part scheduled for theatrical release on March 19 next year, indicating confidence in the franchise’s potential despite the controversy.
As “Dhurandhar” continues its theatrical run, the debate around its themes and messaging remains part of a larger conversation about the role of cinema in portraying complex geopolitical narratives and the line between patriotic storytelling and propaganda.
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12 Comments
It’s impressive that Mukesh Chhabra has worked on such a diverse range of projects, from indie films to big-budget productions. His versatility and dedication to the craft of casting are admirable.
Agreed. Maintaining that artistic focus across different genres and budgets takes real skill and passion for the medium. It’s good to see him apply that same approach to this controversial film.
Interesting to see the casting director’s perspective on the controversy around this film. It’s good to hear he focuses on the artistic merits rather than getting caught up in the political debates.
Yes, it’s important for artists to maintain their creative vision and not get bogged down by external pressures. The success of the film speaks for itself.
Casting is such a crucial part of bringing a story to life on the screen. Kudos to Mukesh Chhabra for his commitment to following his instincts and passion for cinema.
Absolutely. Dismissing the propaganda claims and staying true to his craft is admirable. The audience will appreciate that authenticity.
I’m curious to see how the film handles the sensitive topic of India-Pakistan relations. Chhabra’s approach of focusing on the artistic merits is a wise one, rather than getting embroiled in political debates.
That’s a fair point. Tackling geopolitical issues in films can be tricky, so it’s good the casting director is staying objective and letting the work speak for itself.
I’m intrigued by Chhabra’s comments about just loving the process of casting and creating cinematic worlds. That passion and focus on the craft itself is inspiring, regardless of the subject matter.
Well said. At the end of the day, it’s about the art of filmmaking, not the external noise. Chhabra’s approach is a great example for other artists to follow.
Kudos to Mukesh Chhabra for staying true to his creative instincts and not letting external criticisms influence his work. That level of artistic integrity is rare and commendable.
Absolutely. It’s refreshing to see a casting director take such a principled stance, especially on a film dealing with sensitive geopolitical topics. The audience will appreciate that authenticity.